Historic Sites Self-Guided Tour, Liverpool, Liverpool

Three of the most remarkable buildings of Liverpool-- Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool-- are all situated in the Pier Head. They are called the Three Graces of Liverpool. This walking tour will help you discover some excellent examples of medieval architecture as well as buildings from other eras. Be sure to visit some of the attractions included here:

You can follow this self-guided walking tour to explore the attractions listed below. How it works: download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad. Watch the video below to learn more about how the app works.

1) Albion House

Albion House is situated in Liverpool’s historic docklands, on the corner of the Strand and James Street. Located next to the Pier Head and ferry terminals, Albion House was built in 1898 to house the headquarters of the city’s famous White Star Line shipping company. After relocating to the new building, White Star Line grew to become one of the world’s most famous shipping companies. It is however best remembered for the sinking of its ship, The Titanic, in 1912. Following the disaster,... view more

2) Town Hall

Liverpool Town Hall was built between 1749 and 1754 according to a design by John Wood the Elder. An extension to the north, designed by James Wyatt, was added in 1785. The town hall is built of stone with a slate roof and a lead dome. The building has two storeys and a basement; the stonework of the basement and lower storey is rusticated. The south face has nine bays. Its central three bays are occupied by the portico. This has three rounded arches on the ground floor, and four pairs of... view more

3) Oriel Chambers

Oriel Chambers is the world's first metal framed glass curtain walled building. Designed by architect Peter Ellis and built in 1864, it comprises 43,000 sq ft (4,000 m2) set over five floors. A Grade 1 Listed Building, it is located near to the town hall. Oriel Chambers, and the architect's only other known building at 16 Cook Street, are amongst the city's precursors of modernist architecture. However, its simplified forms and large windows meant that the building initially... view more

4) Hargreaves Building

The Hargreaves Building, located in Chapel Street, close to Liverpool’s docklands, was built in 1859 as a head office for Brown Shipley Bank. The bank was founded by local finance magnate and philanthropist Sir William Brown. Designed by architect and renowned local figure Sir James Picton, the building was a collaboration between two of the city’s most famous sons. Designed in the Venetian style with rounded window frames, Hargreaves Building also bears symbols of the city’s rich maritime... view more

5) Tower Building

Tower Buildings stand close to the waterfront in Liverpool city centre, directly opposite the ‘Three Graces’ – three grand old buildings which face out across the River Mersey from the waterfront. Tower Buildings has a rich history of its own, with the current structure bearing hallmarks of the first to stand here – a sandstone mansion, built in 1256. This was replaced by the Tower of Liverpool, a fortified house built in 1406. Throughout the 18th century, the building was used as a... view more

6) Royal Liver Building (must see)

The Royal Liver Building is a Grade I listed building. It is sited at the Pier Head and along with the neighbouring Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building is one of Liverpool's Three Graces. It is also part of Liverpool's UNESCO designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, the foundation stone for the building was laid on 11 May 1908 and on 19 July 1911, the building was officially opened. The building is crowned by a pair of clock... view more

7) Cunard Building (must see)

The Cunard Building was designed by W. Ed. Willink and Ph. Coldwell Thicknesse and was constructed between 1914 and 1917. The building's style is a mix of Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival. The Cunard Building is essentially rectangular in shape. The central bays on each side provide the main entrance points into the building. Each entrance consists of a large panelled oak door, adorned by a pair of fluted columns and with a coffered ceiling. Marble was used to furnish several parts of... view more

8) Port of Liverpool Building (must see)

The Port of Liverpool Building was designed by Sir Arnold Thornley and F.B. Hobbs. It was constructed between 1904 and 1907, designed in Edwardian Baroque style and is noted for the large dome that sits atop it, acting as the focal point of the building. It is essentially rectangular in shape with canted corners that are topped with stone cupolas. It is noted for the ornamental detail both on the inside and out, and in particular for the many maritime references and expensive decorative... view more

Walking Tours in Liverpool, England

Creating your own self-guided walk in Liverpool is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Here in Liverpool, the Beatles seem to be everywhere! There are so many places associated with them in the city: childhood homes, schools, and bars. This tour takes you to some of the more popular stops for Beatles fans:

Liverpool is an old city with many notable historical sites. Some of the landmarks you will discover during this tour are the Wellington Column, the Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas, and the famous St John's Gardens. Take this tour to learn more about Liverpool's history through its landmarks.

A wonderful mix of classic and contemporary art styles can be enjoyed at some of the best artistic venues in Liverpool. The city's numerous galleries invite you in. Liverpool is home to numerous extraordinary museums, as well. As the European Capital of Culture in 2008, the city is ready to show you diverse aspects of its historical and maritime past and present. Take the following self-guided tour to discover the most popular museums and galleries in the city.

A wonderful mix of classic and contemporary art styles can be enjoyed at some of the best artistic venues in Liverpool. The city's numerous galleries invite you in. Liverpool is home to numerous extraordinary museums, as well. As the European Capital of Culture in 2008, the city is ready to show you diverse aspects of its historical and maritime past and present. Take the following self-guided tour to discover the most popular museums and galleries in the city.

Liverpool is called the Beatles Capital because it is the birthplace of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Star. There are many Beatles-themed bars and restaurants, hotels and associated places. Don't miss the chance to visit some of the most interesting attractions:

Rich in religious roots, Liverpool has many noteworthy places of worship for visitors to experience. A number of churches are located in the town and nearby outside of it, such as the two famous cathedrals, the antique Saint Luke's Church and the Swedish Seamen's Church. Take the following self-guided tour to discover the most interesting religious buildings of Liverpool.

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

In this fantastic city is a great selection of bars and pubs to have a drink or two. This directory can help you decide on where to go. Choose which part of the city you would like a drink then take it from...